How to reduce teeth sensitivity
Reduce tooth sensitivity with fluoride toothpaste, a soft brush, gentle pressure, and treatment for decay, wear, cracks, or exposed roots.
The short answer
Reduce tooth sensitivity by using fluoride toothpaste, a soft brush, gentle pressure, and dental treatment for decay, wear, cracks, or exposed root surfaces.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Sensitivity is a brief sharp response when heat, cold, sweetness, touch, or air reaches dentine through thin enamel or an exposed root surface. Dentine tubules transmit fluid movement toward the pulp, where nerves respond.
What can you do next?
Brush with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste using light pressure, clean between the teeth, and limit repeated acidic drinks. Ask about a desensitizing or prescription fluoride product if symptoms persist.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist when sensitivity is new, lasts after the trigger, occurs in one tooth, or interferes with eating. Prompt care is important with pain on biting, a crack, swelling, discoloration, or a cavity.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the cause is exposed dentine, gum recession, decay, wear, a crack, or a filling, and whether fluoride varnish, a restoration, bite protection, or pulp treatment is appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Can sensitivity be caused by brushing?
Heavy pressure or an abrasive technique can wear or irritate exposed tooth surfaces, so technique should be checked.
What treatment can seal exposed dentine?
Depending on the cause, a dentist may use fluoride, a bonding material, or a restoration.